[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Tuesday October 18, 2005

[Barry Ludwig]

Daily Devotions Tuesday October 18, 2005

The devotions this week are written by Pastor Ludwig who is continuing the
theme of Jesus as our great high priest, by considering the Gospel of John,
chapter 17 which Bible scholars refer to as the "high priestly prayer" of
Jesus for his disciples.

 

John 17: 11-12 (Message paraphrase)

[Jesus prayed] . I'm no longer going to be visible in the world; They'll
[Jesus' followers] continue in the world while I return to you. Holy Father,
guard them as they pursue this life, that you conferred as a gift through
me, so they can be one heart and mind as we are one heart and mind.

 

It seems to me that the worst battles I have ever experienced in my life
took place between family members or congregational members.  There are
tales of congregations splitting over what color the drapes should be in the
sanctuary (or even to have drapes at all). I have witnessed families where
brothers did not speak to one another for years because of an argument over
what color corsage their mother should wear in her casket.

 

This is obviously ludicrous to the outsider, but it is indicative of the
reality of the sinfulness of humanity and the brokenness of our
relationships because of that sin. Jesus came to be a sacrifice for human
sin and our advocate to the heavenly Father. In his prayer, Jesus is praying
for the good outcome of his earthly work, that we might be united in heart
and mind as his followers. Let the government quibble over Supreme Court
nominees, but let us be one in Christ and in purpose.  What joy!

 

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